House Majority Leader Rep Eric Cantor Urges GOP "Tolerance" On Gay Issues

Clearly concerned about the GOP's eroding base among young voters and minorities, House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor is calling for his party to show more tolerance regarding LGBT issues. Cantor, as you doubtlessly know, has been his party's point man on thwarting numerous gay rights issues.

“I think an even bigger issue than that, from a cultural standpoint, is the acceptance of diversity. And the acceptance of diversity of opinion,” Cantor said, explaining that while he may have is own personal opinions on morality or religion, “at some point we’re all here as Americans and we all have to be appreciative of other people’s views.” “And it’s that tolerance, I think that that tolerance is something that enables people to be passionate about their positions. And if you’re for gay marriage, this country allows you to express your views. Some states support it and allow it, and others don’t. But its ok to have that difference of opinion in that,” he said.

Cantor, who is also part of the leadership group that has brought a lawsuit against the Obama administration’s decision to not enforce the Defense of Marriage Act, argued that open discussion and diversity are what make the nation “unique,” and warned against institutional attempts to enforce a standard position on the population. When asked if the Republican Party specifically needs to do a better job of accepting opinions on gay marriage and other cultural issues that do not align with party orthodoxy, Cantor said “absolutely.”

While Cantor's motives for this call are transparently self-serving, it's going to be amusing to watch hate groups turn on their House standard-bearer.